Punch Platino (Regional release India 2009)

[.jacob]

Hello Folks,

I'm in India and just handled a box of these absolutely gorgeous regional smokes. They are India's first regionals ever and Googling hasn't yielded much information on these. I found some photos and a review and a thread on another forum about pricing. The shop I saw these at wanted approx. $950 for a box of 25 which is insane. Does anyone know about these and what an appropriate price is? The intel I found online said ~$500 USD..

Here's the porn:

 

[Benzopyrene]

Dont know what the retail on these is, but I heard they were expensive. $950 expensive is probably a bit much!

 

[daniyal]

Bargain bargain bargain bro the price they quoted is ridiculous.. I'd get a box of esplendidos or lanceros at that price.

 

[SanCristobal]

does Phoenicia cover the distribution for India?

 

[.jacob]

Cingari I believe.

http://www.asklaila.com/article/Delhi-NCR/Cingari:+Delhi’s+exclusive+cigar+store/12934/

 

[daniyal]

Cingari is Chetan Seth's company/shop the actual distributor for the region is Phoenica.. Cingari probably has a sole distribution agreement with them.

 

[.jacob]

Hm. I was led to believe all Habanos in India flow through Cingari. Does Phoenica sell direct?

 

[.jacob]

This says the Punch Platino distributor is "RAAS 2009." Any idea who/what that is?

http://www.phoenicia.com.cy/Article/281/

 

[daniyal]

Not sure about India but in Pakistan Phoenica sells to the local distributor here who sells them to the local shops.

 

[.jacob]

This is interesting. Connecting the dots.

http://www.cubancigarwebsite.com/lists/07-distributors.html#Raas_Intratech
http://www.kellysearch.co.in/in-company-350519897.html

I'm now unclear of where Cingari fits into the food chain of Cubans in India.

 

[avid toker]

Cingari claims to have the sole importation rights in India from the distributor.
I got a box of Platinos after shipping for less than $500. Cingari claims they released the Platinos at $950. They can keep 'em at that price!

 

[.jacob]

Cingari claims to have the sole importation rights in India from the distributor.
I got a box of Platinos after shipping for less than $500. Cingari claims they released the Platinos at $950. They can keep 'em at that price!

Thank you. PM sent. Did you buy your box from someone other than Cingari?

 

[avid toker]

According to Habanos S.A., RAAS Intratech is the sole distributor or India. Cingari is the chain of stores licensed to sell Habanos that is owned by RAAS Intratech and therefore they will claim to be the only stores/lounges in India that sell authentic cubans and the sole retailer of the Platinos. Whether RAAS Intratech also sells cigars to non-Cingari branded stores is the real question?

 

[.jacob]

There are other retailers than Cingari that sell Habanos. I left a message with one, I hope to hear back soon.

I also got in touch with a man who bought a box of Platinos last month and he paid $434. The sticker price is $900 and you must negotiate hard, Indian style which is a bit disappointing since we're talking about the exclusive retailer for the country and not some mom & pop whom I would expect to do that with. Tomorrow I'm going to see if an Indian co-worker is up to the task.

I hope these things don't taste exactly like the Punch DCs.

 

[Moro]

There are other retailers than Cingari that sell Habanos. I left a message with one, I hope to hear back soon.

I also got in touch with a man who bought a box of Platinos last month and he paid $434. The sticker price is $900 and you must negotiate hard, Indian style which is a bit disappointing since we're talking about the exclusive retailer for the country and not some mom & pop whom I would expect to do that with. Tomorrow I'm going to see if an Indian co-worker is up to the task.

I hope these things don't taste exactly like the Punch DCs.

...

Half a price Habanos? :scratchhe

 

[.jacob]

It's India. It's hard to understand unless one has spent time here. Everything is negotiated.

 

[aes8]

Has anyone smoked one of these yet? I'd love to hear a review

 

[aquarich]

They are selling for $490. Don't know much about them.

 

[e-man67]

&&&&& just sent an email. They are selling for $490. Don't know much about them.

Dude I think u may want to edit your post...not supposed to list sources on cc's.

 

[aquarich]

Sorry about the faux pas. PM me if you want the source. :hammersma